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[Temple Wat Khun Samut Trawat just outside Bangkok is partially submerged in water and damaged from the waters of rising sea levels]
Bangkok is among the world’s fastest-sinking cities, with scientists warning that land subsidence is accelerating the impact of rising sea levels and increasing flood risks for millions of residents. A new study by researchers at the Technical University of Munich found that heavily urbanized coastal areas are experiencing relative sea level rises of around 6mm per year, three times the global average of 2.1mm annually.
The study identified Bangkok as a major subsidence hotspot, with the Thai capital sinking at an average rate of 8.5mm per year. Researchers said the combination of climate-driven sea level rise and sinking land is leaving densely populated cities increasingly vulnerable to flooding, especially during storms and extreme weather events.
Scientists explained that global sea levels are rising because of melting glaciers and the expansion of warming seawater. However, the study warned that the movement of land itself is worsening the problem in many coastal cities, particularly in Asia and Africa.
The researchers said excessive groundwater extraction, oil drilling, and the sheer weight of expanding cities are major causes of subsidence. As taller buildings and urban infrastructure place greater pressure on the ground, soil beneath cities gradually compresses and sinks.
Countries facing the fastest increases in relative sea levels include Thailand, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, China, and Indonesia, where ocean levels are rising by seven to 10mm per year. The United States, the Netherlands, and Italy are also experiencing rapid increases of around four to 5mm annually.
Jakarta, Indonesia, was identified as the world’s fastest-sinking city, subsiding at 13.7mm per year, while Tianjin in China is sinking by 13.5mm annually. In some parts of Jakarta, subsidence rates reach 42mm per year, leaving nearly 40 per cent of the city already below sea level.
Lead researcher Dr Julius Oelsmann said land movement could “significantly amplify the effects of climate-driven sea-level rise”. He added: “If we want to understand sea-level rise along coastlines and respond effectively, we must not only observe the ocean but also the land itself.”
Co-author Professor Florian Seitz said government action could help slow subsidence rates. He pointed to Tokyo, where subsidence once exceeded 10cm per year before stricter groundwater controls dramatically reduced the problem.
The Daily Mall reported that researchers said improved groundwater management, tighter regulation of extraction, and targeted aquifer recharge projects could help cities such as Bangkok slow further sinking. Scientists also warned that delays in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions could worsen future sea level rise, with projections suggesting oceans could rise by up to 1.2 meters by 2300 even if Paris climate targets are met.
Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailymail 21 May 2026
Source: https://aseannow.com/topic/1394997-bangkok-sinks-faster-as-seas-keep-rising
Google Translation:
Bangkok is sinking at an average rate of 8.5 millimeters per year.
Illustration from Daily Mail – Densely populated coastal areas are experiencing a relative sea level rise of approximately 6 millimeters per year (red areas).
This news article is sponsored by FALLPROTEC, a world-renowned company specializing in the design and manufacture of premium fall protection systems and high-altitude access solutions.
Bangkok is one of the fastest sinking cities in the world, with scientists warning that land subsidence is accelerating the effects of rising sea levels and increasing the risk of flooding for millions of residents. A new study by researchers from the Technical University of Munich found that highly urbanized coastal areas are experiencing a relative sea level rise of about 6 millimeters per year, which is three times faster than the global average of 2.1 millimeters per year.
The study identified Bangkok as a site of severe subsidence, with Thailand’s capital sinking at an average rate of 8.5 millimeters per year. Researchers stated that rising sea levels caused by climate change and land subsidence make densely populated cities more vulnerable to flooding, especially during storms and extreme weather events.
Scientists explain that global sea levels are rising due to melting glaciers and the expansion of warmer ocean water. However, studies warn that land shifts themselves are exacerbating the problem in many coastal cities, particularly in Asia and Africa.
Researchers say that excessive groundwater pumping, oil drilling, and the immense weight of expanding cities are the main causes of subsidence. As tall buildings and urban infrastructure put more pressure on the ground, the soil beneath the city is gradually compressed and subsides.
Countries facing the fastest relative sea level rise include Thailand, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, China, and Indonesia, where sea levels are rising by 7 to 10 millimeters per year. The United States, the Netherlands, and Italy are also experiencing rapid rises of approximately 4 to 5 millimeters per year.
Jakarta, Indonesia, has been identified as the fastest sinking city in the world, subsiding at a rate of 13.7 millimeters per year. In comparison, Tianjin in China is subsiding at 13.5 millimeters per year. In some parts of Jakarta, the subsidence rate reaches as high as 42 millimeters per year, leaving nearly 40 percent of the city below sea level.
Dr. Julius Ohlsmann, the lead researcher, said that land movement could “significantly amplify the effects of climate-induced sea level rise.” He added, “If we want to understand coastal sea level rise and respond effectively, we need to observe not only the ocean but also the land.”
Professor Florian Seitz, a co-author, said that government action could help slow the rate of subsidence. He cited Tokyo as an example, which once experienced subsidence rates exceeding 10 centimeters per year before stricter groundwater controls significantly reduced the problem.
The Daily Mall reports that researchers say improved groundwater management, stricter pumping controls, and targeted groundwater recharge projects could help cities like Bangkok slow further subsidence. Scientists also warn that delays in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions could lead to rising sea levels in the future, with predictions that sea levels could rise by up to 1.2 meters by 2300, even if the Paris climate targets are met.
